Previously in this module, you learned how to identify indicators and outcomes of quality legal representation for children and youth. In this section, you will become familiar with the federal Children’s Bureau guidance, and additional resources, on quality legal representation. These resources can help a CIP to define what quality legal representation should look like and entail, as well as explain the benefits of quality legal representation on youth, families, and the entire child welfare system.

Highlighted Resources:

• Administration for Children and Families Information Memo: “High Quality Legal Representation for All Parties in Child Welfare Proceedings” (2017)
• Administration for Children and Families Information Memo: “Engaging, Empowering, and Utilizing Family and Youth Voice in all Aspects of Child Welfare to Drive Case Planning and System Improvement” (2019)
• Administration for Children and Families Information Memo: “Family Time and Visitation for Children and Youth in Out-of-Home Care” (2020)
• Title IV-E Reimbursement for Legal Representation
• Child Welfare Practice Manual, Q/A 8.1B, #30, 31, and 32
• Child Welfare Practice Manual, Q/A 8.1H, #8 and 18
• National Quality Improvement Center on the Representation of Children in the Child Welfare System (QIC-ChildRep)
• CBCC Online Learning Experience: Representing Parents in Child Welfare Cases